Month: April 2009

On Saturday 4/4/09 I covered and extraordinary gala for an organization I never heard of before called Thorncroft:

Welcome to Non-Profit Thorncroft. Our mission is to help build the physical, emotional and mental well-being of all people; particularly those with special needs, through establishing an atmosphere of cooperation, respect and love in an equestrian environment. We are committed to a mainstreaming approach of teaching horseback riding, and to promoting the development of new and independent therapeutic riding programs. We are currently seeking volunteers to help with our weekly therapeutic lesson program. We offer private and group lessons for all ages and abilities Monday through Saturday, morning through evening Volunteers groom and tack lesson horses then assist students in the ring by leading or side aiding. In addition to our weekly lessons, we also have special programs with area schools and organizations, summer camp, Special Olympics, and special events.
Lauren Jendrasiak 610-644-1963

John Kallmeyer, Nicole Saunders, Christina Howard, Sarah Emmel, Annabel Moxon, Julia Taylor, Ben Prvette, Bethann Coradino, Jenn McGrew

Phanatic, Rebecca Bradbeer (who works at Thorncroft), Jenny Russo and Jennifer McDrew Nancy & John Amici, Salley & Jim Zemanck, Linda and Kevin Donahue and Mary Levin
Making the social scene Ron & Lisa Patterson enter the Grand Ballroom in the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue
Jayne Tolson, Sally Frazier, Mike Donohue

Nicole Miller’s Mary Donahue and her son Niles Neumann with the Phillies Phanatic and the Championship TrophyKip and Sherri Fedetz
Very stylish Sharon Jones and Barbara Gilbert
John Amici, Linda Donohue, Jim Zemanek admire a painting a friend did, then donated it to the silent auction.
Ronald and Marcia Rubin
Thorncroft offers instruction in Balanced Seat Equitation, Driving, Combined Training and Trail. We offer one-hour group lessons of up to six students with comparable skill levels. Private, half-hour lessons are also available. Depending upon the ability of the rider, lessons are held on the flat or over fences and might be in the indoor arena, outdoor enclosed ring, our cross country course or through the neighboring countryside.
The Park Hyatt Crew – Jason Cabrera, Assistant Manager of the Park Hyatt at The Bellevue; Judy Ellis Taylor, Director of Sales and Marketing; Andrew Speizman, Bellevue Property Manager, Attorney Jackie Penrod; and Jeffrey Miller, General Manager of the Park Hyatt.

Love is the most irresistible power in the universe. Caring is its very implementation…
That’s what healing is all about. – A Bob Dylan signed guitar was up for auctionRebecca Shields has her eye on a Cuisinart as she loves to cook.
We specialize in therapeutic horseback riding for mentally, emotionally and physically disabled children and adults, including training for those interested in learning this art. We offer our land, our equipment, our horses and our ideals. But most importantly, we offer ourselves and our love. Healing abounds here…come see for yourself, the joy of a student as he “walks” down the narrow country trail with his horse. The horse can take him places that his wheelchair cannot go!
Sallie & Saunders Dixon with Jay Tolson who received the Friend Award
George Rubin shares his daughters experience with Thorncroft and why he supports the organization. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, in fact I barely have any photos of him as I was so moved.

Backstage as George exits with friendsSallie & Saunders Dixon who care and nurture Thorncroft. If you would like to help the programs at THORNCROFT please contact them.

Earlier this month I stopped by 10 Arts at the Ritz-Carlton across from Philadelphia City Hall to attend the book signing of On the Line: The Stations, the Heat, the Cooks, the Costs, the Chaos, and the Triumphs (co-authored with Christine Muhlke). Eric Ripert was in the house signing for his fans.

Each of these hor’devours were from the book and passed around to the guests.

Chef Eric Ripert, Where Magazine Publisher Laura Burkhardt and 10 Arts Chef Jennifer Carroll.

Mark & Leigh Baker. They have eaten at 10 Arts several times. They are big fans of the rabbit dish.
Chef Ripert and Peter Leokum, GPFO
Jean A. Durling Chief Recruitment and Professional Development Officer, Jordan Roznowski and Julia Rariz all from Fox Rothschild LLP, (Named One of the 50 Best Law Firms for Women by Working Mother), enjoy the happy hour book signing.

Laurel Fairworth – Cachet Communications, Jamie Gordon PR Director Ritz-Carlton, Sunny Yi – Walking Elephant Marketing, and Heather Seok enjoy the afternoonPastry chef Monica Glass and Chef Jennifer Carroll. Both women are from the Philadelphia area. Who doesn’t have fond memories of a delicious cupcake snack after school? Well the cupcake has grown up and it is now part of a unique happy hour pairing being offered at the Lounge at 10 Arts at the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia.

Also happening on this day was a visit from a class from The Restaurant School, posing with Pastry Chef Monica Glass, Chef Eric Ripert and Chef Jennifer Carroll.

Jennifer gives them a behind the scenes tour of the kitchen. I was excited that I could go along to. The kitchen is beautiful, clean and lots of dinners were being prepared that evening. Fun to watch the action.
Later stayed and enjoyed dinner, as I had eaten in the lounge before. The food was so delicious. There were a couple of salads on the menu, I had the house salad at $12 (apps $10 – $14), which was a meal by itself, but forced myself onto the Trout, which I had heard many of my friends rave about. DELICIOUS and reasonable at $26. Most entrees range from $26 – $34. There is also a menu for the lounge and prices range from $8 to $16 with a fish slider at $19. Of course I love the fish sliders. You really have to try them.

Last week I took my regular short cut through Macy’s and saw a sign:

The Macy’s Philadelphia Flower Show will be showcased in the Grand Court at Macy’s Center City, the site of Wanamaker’s flower shows from the 1930s through the early 1970s. For this year’s Flower Show, we’re proud to be partnering with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, founded in 1827. The PHS runs the Philadelphia Flower Show, the world’s oldest and largest indoor Flower Show.

Featuring stunning landscapes, celebrity guests and renowned floral designers, Dream in Color will transform our Center City store into a vibrant, colorful dreamscape, showcasing unique garden environments overflowing with thousands of exotic trees and flowering plants.

1PM – Behind the Dream in Color lays the design magic. Explore the making of the Macy’s Flower Show with designer Burke Brothers, Landscape Design & Builder from Wyndmoor, PA. Discover what it was like to build and design this beautiful and unique show. My sister loves these Dooney Bourke bags and I thought I would take a few shots for her to shop by internetTuesday, April 14

5:30PM – A Rose by any other name… Floral enthusiasts are welcome for a special discussion and book signing with Douglas Brenner and Stephen Scanniello authors of the book, A Rose By Any Name: The Little-Known Lore and Deep Rooted History of the Rose Name.

(Ralph Lauren Table. Did you know Ralph Lauren’s son David is dating Lauren Bush and if they got married her name would be…..)

1PM – Fashion and home designer Rebecca Moses makes a special appearance to introduce her new Heart Soul Style Summer Entertaining Collection exclusively at Macy’s. Inspired by her life in Italy, Rebecca will demonstrate how to create three affordably beautiful table settings with her colorful, whimsical and refreshing new collection, just in time for spring. Although most of the displays are on the first and 3rd floors, springtime flows onto the sales floor too.

This set up is by Martha Stewart (Please buy Martha Stewart, her stock is in the dumpster. A few years back I thought I would make a killing and bought 1000 shares; thank god I didn’t quit my day job)

12:30PM – Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Big Top! Come one, come all, join us for a special performance by the world-famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus® Clowns. Enjoy face painting, popcorn, and many other special surprises. (Coulrophobia is an abnormal or exaggerated fear of clowns. A lot of people I know are afraid of clowns. One of my favorite movies is Killer Klowns From Outer Space)If I ever get married this is the china pattern I would like. It’s by Vera Wang. It’s very simple and classy, just like a beautiful Vera Wang wedding dress.

BTW NEXT TUESDAY 4/14/09 Come on out and support City Of Hope’s “Let Them Eat Cake” It’s Philadelphia’s Wedding Cake Design competition for professionals, students and those who love to bake to create. After the cakes are baked and judge, the doors open and the Brides-to-be and cake lovers converge for the fourth annual competition featuring the best of the best and you get to try out the various cakes, check out the latest bridal vendors of every variety. Gift bags for the first 100 peeps.

Reserve your tickets now >> Tues., April 14th, 2009
Loews Philadelphia Hotel 1200 Market Street
Doors open: 6 p.m – 9PM Advance tickets: $40 At the door: $50
For tickets, please contact Harry Giordano:
800-344-8169 or hgiordano@coh.org.

I know this is the Macy’s Flower Show, but it looks like a subliminal JW on the flamingo’s. What do you think?

PSPCA is one of the pet projects of Jen Utley and last week, before the first game of the season, Jen held a Phillies Pup Rally at Rittenhouse Square.
The Invite Stated: Dress your dogs in their Phillies best and join the Red Phanatic, Phillies Broadcasters and Phillies Ballgirls to raise funds and awareness for the Pennsylvania SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Drop off much-needed blankets and toys. Cash donations will also be accepted. Cats and dogs will be available to adopt. There will also be a raffle for a variety of items. Donors will receive a special ticket discount for a future Phillies game.
The Red Phanatic? What’s that about? This is such an odd picture I like it.
Do I even need to say how cute this is? i love the little dog standing up to the red Phanatic.
My friends Janita Styles and Jen Utley. Jen’s with Jack, and as you might recall in an earlier entry this year, Jen & Chase adopted Jack from a litter where the mother was put down after being a fighting pit bull. Originally Jack was named Simon, but Chase didn’t like the name. One day they were driving in NYC and saw a billboard that said “Jack” on it (Jack in the Box? she couldn’t remember). Chase thought Jack was a manly man name good enough for a pit bull. Jack’s shy, and I wasn’t going to call him or pet him, I’m afraid of pit bulls. I probably won’t be visiting the Utley’s much.
Here at the PSPCA, we address the needs of thousands of homeless animals a year. We started out with a single center in Philadelphia and, with the help of our dedicated staff and generous donors, burgeoned into a state-wide operation with six busy shelters.

Learn about our fascinating history reflecting the human capacity for good, get to know the exceptional, dedicated people who staff our shelters, and learn about our endless mission to prevent and relieve suffering. Become a supporter and help us continue to materialize our mission, helping not only animals in need but also inspiring people to be more humane.

This event brought out a lot of interesting folks, like this politician and his bulldog
A couple girls from Hollywood Tan came by and pedaled their wares in the park. They were offering a free tanning session for 4/4/09,
I bet if you mention that you saw their photos on PhillyChitChat and blame me for putting them up a week late maybe they would give you a free tan.
That hair, what is up with that hair? Is the Red Phanatic supposed to be female?
Poor muzzled puppy
I hear they had a dog parade and judge the best dressed pup, but I had to run.
http://www.pspca.org/services

Last night I attended a soiree high above the city streets, looking down on the citizens of Philadelphia where this little fella lives,
In conjunction with Philadelphia Style Magazine and The Residences at Liberty Two they held a join WELCOME HOME to Phillies COLE HAMELS & HEIDI HAMELS PARTY
Before they got to their home I strolled around and took a few snapshots of the folks there to welcome them, as well as a few mover’s and shakers that might be in the market for a new home say for $3 million to $15 million bucks. Over the next dozen photos or so you will meet the man who just purchased the 55th & 56th floor (57th pictured here), but I can’t identify him as per his request. Former Sixers president Billy King and wife Melanie, who’s son, Reginald James King named after his uncle, former Pacers great Reggie Miller, just turned one years old, chatting with David Maser Ben & Dana Oller
One of the most attractive couples gracing the social scene of late Tony Rufo and the lovely Lindsay Kravitz.
Natalie Czastkiewicz and Nick Gaudiosi enjoy the party. Missing from the scene was man about town Arthur Kade www.Arthurkade.com , who I hear is filming Air Bender this week with M. Night Shyamalan and Dev Patel here in Phillywood.

One of Philly’s finest Real Estate Teams (and best looking, you should see their ads) Michelle Ranieri, Antonio and Georgine Atacan, Jill Rizen and Cristian David
Did I mention that Moet was one of the sponsor’s and everyone seemed to really be enjoying themselves. Those are tiny personal champagne bottles. Jessica Matthews, Matthew Vlahos, The guy you should thank for outfitting some of Philly’s best dressed women, Boyd’s Women’s fashion buyer Sean General and Fran Dambrosio, Jimmy “Style” Contreras, Christian DiCicco and Diane Johnson

Unfortunately for me, this was only the 2nd time I was every in Liberty Two and it was a rainy night. Now that I know two people that live in the building I am going to have to impose to get a few good shots, hmm maybe the guy from Brazil will let me house sit the six months that he’s at his other house?The girls were getting restless while waiting for Cole
Laila Ahmadinejad, Jessie Lane and Stephanie Twinning (thanks to her and Sarah Schafferfor placing the photos I take in the pages of Philly Style Mag that give the Charities of the City just that extra little PR, and every bit helps)
on the 52nd Floor, Del Frisco’s and DiBruno’s set up shop. This is also where I found the sample residences. I think I am going to have to pretend to be a buyer to get up here for the wrap around views. The DiBruno chefs.
Their spread in the living room. I know a lot of people think that it would be tough to live in a building where the windows don’t open, but I didn’t feel that way, the views are so spectacular that anything else I can just look past. ( Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora is letting his well-decorated pad serve as a model unit until the rest of Two Liberty is sold and then he will move in, his home on the 52nd floor cost $2.5 million – See following pictures)
Today was a tad stressful for me, just a tad though. I took my lunch at 10AM so I could cover this great event for Project Home that I will write about later this week; but when I pulled my camera out of the bag 2 knobs had fallen off. I should have known because the Tribeca Film Festival is in two weeks and it was this time last year that my last camera broke, I kill them. The Murphy’s Law part is the warranty ran out Sunday, but them I check and was smart enough to buy a 2 yr warranty. Whew. In the meantime I will just use the camera I got fixed last year.
And now back to our regularly schedule entry. I ran back upstairs just in time to see the fiercely dressed Sarah Schaffer escort Cole Hammels and his pretty young wife Heidi into the party.
He gives good face
Another one for you ladies…

Since it was hot, and a cluster you know what I decided that I would forego trying to get the Cole Hammels shot and instead went back to the photos I enjoy taking the most
My friends, and as you know this is one lady I never get tired of shooting. C’mon she gives it up, comes alive and makes it happen. (Oh and btw she lives at Liberty Two: The Residences) You don’t need to watch Spencer Pratt and his fake wife, you just need to tune into PhillyChitChat and get the real deal with Sabrina Tamburino, just as pretty with less drama.
Douglas Pearson and Donald Pearson – Soethby’s International Realty
Renee Freeman ASID and Don Freeman ASID.. INTERIOR DESIGN & INTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN of Freeman Interiors. Renee, a big fan of PhillyChitChat, wanted to make sure that it was on my list to cover Donors are Heroes, in conjunction with the Gift of Life Donor Program, are hosting ‘THE Party’ on Friday, April 17 at Park Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue. Tickets are only $75 and can be purchased at http://www.donors1.org ; and please remember to check will donate organs on your drivers license, and say yes in the hospital for the organ donation. I read when Natasha Richardson passed her family donated every viable organ to those in need (it’s not going to be the same covering the Met Gala Costume ball without her in May)
At first I thought this was Wanda Skyes and I wanted to ask her where her new talk show was going to be film. Did you know she lives out on the Main Line, and she just came out of the closet a few months ago, love her. I don’t who this band was, but I enjoyed listening to them. The name of the band is Crosstown Traffic — Greg Davis on guitar, Ms. Jeannie Brooks on vocals, Wally Smith on keyboard and Neil Simpkins on drums.
Tonight at the Loews it’s the Sake Fest 6PM – 8:30PM. Tickets are $75 at the door, and among the food to be served is Morimoto. I’ll be there.Dan and Jaclyn Fisher (it was so great to see Jaclyn, I never had a chance to say goodbye when she left), and her mom and Dad, Denise and Norman Vosko.

Natalie Alvarez and Chris Chafin

Marci & Nicole Blicher. Nicole says that her theater company, The Nice People Theater
is getting ready for a really big season, so look out world.
She’s really nice too, styling it with that flower in her hair. She said she’s getting married in two months, but Nicole let me tell you something, May 30, is not two months ahead baby, you’d better get crackin’
Did I mention how hot it was on the 57th floor, well it only got hotter with this crew. John Bolaris, Lauren D’Orsio, Lauren “sporting the super sexy librarian looking glasses” Nelson, Alycia Lane (who I just adore), John Colabelli, Howard Eskin, Phillies marketing man Mike Harris and bad me for not asking his girlfriend. Hmm I wonder how many Phillies box tickets I can get for this exclusive shot? I promise to donate a couple to a charity.
Sponsors of last nights party included Daniel Stern & the restaurant at Two Liberty (Can’t wait for that), Boyd’s, Moet & Chardon, Stella Artois, Bud Light, Coca-Cola, Philly Pretzel Factory (must have missed those), Bernie Robbins, Kiehls, Hugo Boss, (did I mention I didn’t get a gift bag, so we won’t be able to report what was in it but it sounds like it was good), Del Frisco’s and Di Bruno Bros. Also donations to the Hamels Foundation were being accepted at the party. (Philadelphia Philles P Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi have started The Hamels Foundation, which will focus on AIDS in Africa and education in Africa and Philadelphia. Then after spring training workouts in Clearwater yesterday, Hamels told reporters that the couple is trying to adopt a child from Ethiopia)

Carol Tamburino and the Boyd’s owner, another name I didn’t get, did I mention I was going to pass out soon. Sadly I didn’t make it to the closing night of the Philadelphia Film Festival Party. I thought I would go home and get some sleep, but alas it’s 2AM as I write this so basically I’ll be getting to bed my normal too late self, and trying to hit the gym before I go to my paralegal job in the AM. Oh well it was fun reliving this night, great to see everyone, and meet the new folks I hope to be shooting a lot in the future. One last thing, Carrie Nork Minelli, who was a guest at the soiree as Cashman & Assoc were not handling this party, notice my absence near Cole Hammel and came right over and asked if I had gotten what I needed, well no I didn’t and she
arranged it so Cole and Heidi posed for a few shots, and I really appreciate. Thanks Carrie.By the way, again I plead heat and the excitement, I did not get these two kids names. If anyone knows who they are I would love to send them this photo.
As I was leaving I saw Cole, Heidi and Nicole Cashman head towards the Hamel’s new pad with a huge, I mean huge bottle of champagne. Idiot me should have asked if I could come and photograph the popping of the cork which would have made my night. Oh well, that’s one good photo that got away.

TONIGHT AT 7:15pm IS THE NEXT TIME FOR YOU TO CATCH Tony Luke in Festival Favorites:
Monday, April 6, 7:15 PM
Ritz East 1
Tickets at Venue – This is a photo I took last August when they were filming. They were on a dinner break, I ran in and got the shot. Now that I’ve seen the film this means so much more to me. After the show catch the film festival’s closing night party at the G LoungeFriday Calder the father’s Swann Fountain was turned on, it was a very windy night. I love the shots I got.
of course that was after the very stormy afternoon
So awesome my sister (who lives in Charlotte, NC) and her college friends (Loyola [Baltimore, MD] had their annual reunion in Philadelphia where a few of them live. I ran over Saturday night about 10PM where they were eating at El Vez, which was convenient as I was shooting a terrific event at the Bellevue that you will read about sometime this week. My sister Crista is in the leopard looking print
Another leopard print wearing women, Sabrina Tamburino and her Mom Carol. I photographed Sabrina’s bridal party at Nicole Miller’s yesterday as the girls were fitted for their dresses. Nicole Miller did these wonderful window displays with Sabrina & Steve’s photos lining them and the bridal dress is topped with Sabrina’s head
did you know you can get M&M’s with your likeness on them?
Just a few of the bridal party. I believe the total is 9 girls. It has to be a mighty big place that is going to accomodate the list of people that will be attending the no doubt wedding of the year. I’m so excited, I have the schedule now and it will fit my social schedule perfectly.
Friday double rainbow action about 6:30PM. I wish I caught it from my home balcony instead of at work as the rainbow was along 12 Street and I couldn’t capture the whole thing as my building was right on top of it at 14th street. But thanks to all of you who tipped me off to it’s existence.

Last week Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingoglia AKA Connie Stevens came to town to premiere a movie based on a period in her life which was somewhat traumatic “Saving Grace B Jones”. Having seen the movie it’s amazing to me that Connie went on to live a fabulous life with a wonderful disposition, which was never fulfilled for two other iconic sex kittens of that time who had less than idea childhood’s ie Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. No Connie conquered the world of music, show business and later in life a hugely successful cosmetic empire.

(Connie pictured here with Thom Cardwell arriving at the premiere of her movie at the Ritz 1; She is so cougarlicious)
Connie Steven was once married to Eddie Fisher and has two daughter’s with him, Tricia Leigh Fisher and Joely Fisher, it is my guess that these flowers were from them. Since I had just met Connie 5 minutes before I felt uncomfortable to ask that question.

I ran over to the Loews Hotel with Carol Tamburino, who has known Connie for over 30 years having met her at a fundraiser at Palumbo’s. I wish I was around when Palumbo’s was happening, that must have been exciting. Two of their friends had come in from NYC, Westminster Dog Breeder Eugene Zaphiris, Connie Stevens, Matthew Stander and Carol Tamburino.
Cast of “Saving grace B Jones” with Gregory James, Melinda chilton, Audrey Wasilewski, Connie Stevens, , Evie louise Thompson, Rylee Fansler arriving at Ritz 1 in Philadelphia. There was a great turn out, but sadly the theater was having a problem with the sound issues, which made the film a tad difficult to understand. (I wish it had premire at the Prince Theater because their sound system was right on target)
PhilaCineFest Board of Director Member Claire Brown-Kohler with Connie and Rylee Fansler who plays the young Connie Stevens.
After the movie Carol Tamburino took the whole gang to Postiano Coast for a celebration. Joining them were Vince and Janet Papale, and later the Geater with the Heater stopped by to say hello to Connie. (I had to leave early to catch the fun at Shut Up & Dance, and hopefully spot Gerard Butler or Jamie Foxx no luck there, but someone I know saw them that night)

The next day it was on to conquer the Prince Theater . I wish someone would rent out this space between festivals and bring back some good old fashion movies, this is the perfect place to catch a flick in comfort. In between seasons the http://www.princemusictheater.org
have cabaret, plays and musicals. If you haven’t been to the Prince then you are missing out.
Connie and the cast take Questions from the audience. Gregory James, Connie Stevens, Evie Louise Thompson, Rylee Fansler and Melinda ChiltonMelinda Chilton gives the 411 to Philadelphia Legend Trudie Haynes.
Longtime fans, Allan Breitenbach, and partner, David Tolley, show Connie the scrapbook he’s been collecting since 1969 of her life (and I thought the Gerard Butler fans were devoted) (If you look closely you will see a photo of Connie & Carol from the Republican Convention Philadelphia 2000; it’s rumored that Connie once dated Sen John McCain, but a fact that they are long time friends. Connie as First Lady, now that might have changed the outcome)
Then it was off to Del Frisco’s for an early dinner. Thanks to Connie & Carol for lunch.

The movie is just amazing, if it wasn’t a true story, it would be too disturbing of a film for me. It tackles the issue of mental instability, starring Tatum O’Neal who will blow you away; it’s a slice of life as Connie says, and she’s right. I hope that you will get a chance to see it.
Connie brought pork sandwiches from oy where are those notes. Well it’s the first place Connie goes to when she gets off the plane.
Carol, Former Union League President Frank and Dottie Giordano , Connie, Jeff and Lisa Klinger

Director of the Phila CineFest Ray Murray, with Connie and guest
And then the hail storm came and I barely said good-bye, but since the Stevens/Fishers will be attending the Tamburino/Thorne nuptials in October at the top secret location that I look forward to breaking, I know where it is but mums the word I am told, I will see her there. I might just have to ask for an autograph something I haven’t done since Tom Cruise 1,000 celebrities ago. There’s still a few more days left to the Film Festival so go and enjoy:
www.phillycinefest.com/
ALSO CHECK OUT STREETTALKIN’S COVERAGE OF THE NIGHT:
http://streettalkin.com/saving-grace-b-jones-connie-stevens/

It was here I ran into Ann Hoskins-Brown and Rob Saxon of Manna
DJ Robert Drake spun all night, with him is VIP Special Services to the stars, good friend of Brandy, Chaka, Patti and now Connie Steven’s Jonathan Vendrick and Natelia
Alex Ratcliffe-Lee, Lily DiPizazza, Jenny Winton, Sarah Hay and Casey Krieger
Raffle tickets were moving, everyone who attended was very generous:

Five days a week, MANNA chefs and volunteers work together to prepare, package, and deliver almost 2,400 medically appropriate meals each day to individuals and families living with a life-threatening illness such as cancer, diabetes or HIV/AIDS – in total, almost 72,000 meals a month.
JimmyStyles – Jimmy Contreras, Malcolm Lazin Founder and Executive Director Equality Forum which is coming up in May and is a must do on PhillyChitChat’s list (Unfortunately I think I will be in NYC for the Tribeca Film Festival, again), and Matthew Vlahos of Vlahos Public Relations
Also in the house, literally staying at the Loews and stopping by the Manna event to join in the Festivities: John Welch, Chris Brooks, Jvonne Pierson, Dawn Downing and Comedian David Arnold

Look who rolled in a little after midnight and was kind enough to stop by for a brownie and picture with Manna’s Marketing Director Meg Rider. More about Miss Connie Steven’s tomorrow night. Manna is always looking for volunteers daily, weekly, once a month, or whenever you have time. Please keep them in mind. They were very generous to my bestfriend Shawn when he passed away of AIDS 8/18/92
WHAT ARE YOU DOING TODAY:
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 Phillies “Pup Rally” for Pennsylvania SPCA with partner The Friends of Rittenhouse Square: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, 5 – 7 p.m., Rittenhouse Square Dress your dogs in their Phillies best and join the Red Phanatic, Phillies Broadcasters and Phillies Ballgirls to raise funds and awareness for the Pennsylvania SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Drop off much-needed blankets and toys. Cash donations will also be accepted. Cats and dogs will be available to adopt. There will also be a raffle for a variety of items. Donors will receive a special ticket discount for a future Phillies game.

What happened to The Calder Park at 22nd & the Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia PA
www.quondam.com (Click on pix to see amazing larger shot)

In 2001, the Pew Charitable Trusts announced a $5-million grant to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to present a series of outdoor installations of work by Philadelphia-born sculptor Alexander Calder along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Ordinary (1969), the 21-foot tall, multi-colored stabile/mobile was placed at 22nd & Parkway in Philadelphia first and the garden grew around it. At one point there was even talk about the first Calder Museum being built on this spot, but in the end the deal fell through as insiders at the time told me that the Calder’s were reluctant to sign long term loan leases of 99 years.
The grant was written so that enable the Philadelphia Art Museum, in collaboration with the Calder Foundation, would install 10 to 15 sculptures on a rotating basis over an initial 12-year period beginning in 2001.

Ordinary was rotated out May 2006 to the plaza in front of Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram Building on 56th & Park Avenue in NYC
Philadelphia is the only City in the world where THREE GENERATIONS OF CALDER CAN BE FOUND SO PROMINENTLY FEATURED.

Alexander Sandy Calder (1898-1976) was the third generation of an accomplished artistic family from Philadelphia whose work can already be seen in dramatic succession along the Parkway.

His grandfather, Alexander Milne Calder (1846-1943), who emigrated to Philadelphia from Scotland, created some 300 sculptural decorations adorning City Hall, including the bronze statue of William Penn (1886-1894) that stands atop the clock tower.

His father, Alexander Stirling Calder (1870-1945), who was born in Philadelphia, created the Swann Memorial Fountain (1924) at Logan Circle, and many other sculptures throughout the city. At the western end of the Parkway, Alexander Calder’s ethereal mobile Ghost (1964) is suspended in the great stair hall of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Alexander S. C. Rower, Director of the Calder Foundation, said: “I can think of no more appropriate place to celebrate the greatness of my grandfather’s work. It is extraordinary in this urban garden and underscores the remarkable place that generations of my family hold in the city of Philadelphia.”

According to a press release (link here) “The Pew Charitable Trusts is proud to support this magnificent display of sculptures by Philadelphia’s own Alexander Calder,” said Rebecca Rimel, president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts. “What a wonderful contribution these works provide to a renewed Benjamin Franklin Parkway, for the benefit of our residents and an ever-growing number of visitors.”
And then perhaps because of the economy things changed because as I passed 22nd and the Parkway yesterday morning on my way to work
I saw they were dismantling and
flat bedding the Calder Sculptures, and it
didn’t look like they were rotating anything back inWhen I walked home after work my fears were confirmed. I asked a source on the scene what happened to the sculptures. She said the funding ran out and they were being returned to their owners, and the City didn’t have the money to fund the upkeep of the park anymore. (Is that true, I mean we’re just about to go into summer and that’s a frightening thought?)I asked why this one was still on site, do we get to keep this one at least? No,her husband said, he had heard that the flat bed was packed and that they would be back Wednesday AM to cart it away.
Where was the Three Discs, One Lacking (1968) I wondered since it’s owned by the City of Philadelphia. Where did it go?
As I was leaving my source told me he noticed that the several homeless people have already come by to drop their bags near their future home, er bench. I hate to say it, but I would like the benches in the former Calder Park removed until the City finishes what they set out to do decades ago and make the Parkway a viable destination. How long until this is the tent city it once was before the Calder Park was created?Tomorrow the electricity is turned off on the guard house and the guard will be reassigned. I suggest they dismantle it too, as it could turn into a nuisance.
I think what really makes me sad, besides losing art work on the Parkway, is that I never appreciated the sculpture that replaced Ordinary and I didn’t have any photos of it even though I passed it every day. I am thankful the funding for the Barnes Museum went through, and although they will have an empty lot to look at across the street, I’m hopeful they will put a few sculptures in their front yard. Please read the GOOD NEWS comment from my friend David from Cappricio’s Cafe Cret and The Inquirer has since done an article:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/news_breaking/20090401_Calder_Garden_of_sculptures_removed_from_Parkway.html